Best CBD Pain Creams for Fibromyalgia - October 2024

How CBD Pain Creams May Help With Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a medical condition that induces widespread pain all over your body, sleep and mood issues, and fatigue. The cause of this medical condition is unknown, but it may be effectively managed and treated⁽¹⁾.

Studies show that CBD may help manage pain associated with fibromyalgia, arthritis, inflammation, multiple sclerosis, and migraines⁽²⁾.

CBD is an active, naturally occurring compound found in cannabis plants that interact with the body’s ECS (endocannabinoid system).

The ECS comprises cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2). CB1 is in charge of pain sensations, whereas CB2 receptors regulate anti-inflammatory response⁽³⁾. 

These receptors interact with CBD and produce anti-pain and anti-inflammatory effects⁽⁴⁾.

Benefits of Using CBD Pain Creams for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia may cause persistent dull pain all over the body, which may last for at least three months⁽⁵⁾.

Research has suggested that CBD may contain analgesic properties to help with chronic pain⁽⁶⁾. 

Moreover, the compound may also improve sleep among individuals suffering from chronic pain⁽⁷⁾. 

One animal research examined the efficacy of CBD transdermal gel on rat models with arthritis⁽⁸⁾.

The study discussed that 6.2 to 62 milligrams of CBD per day may relieve arthritis pain and deliver anti-inflammatory properties without causing significant side effects.

The mentioned animal research on the benefits of CBD may be promising. However, more studies are necessary on the effectiveness of CBD on humans. 

How to Use CBD Pain Cream for Fibromyalgia

CBD cream and other CBD topical products are directly applied to a painful area of the skin for localized relief⁽⁹⁾.

Topical cannabinoids do not enter the bloodstream. Instead, CB2 receptors in the skin pick up and absorb the cannabinoids, which aid in pain relief and inflammation⁽¹⁰⁾.

However, there are no studies on CBD’s effectiveness specifically for pain relief for fibromyalgia. 

Thus, consulting a medical professional before using any CBD product for a medical condition is essential. 

CBD Pain Cream Dosage for Fibromyalgia

The FDA, also called the Food and Drug Administration, has not approved the use of CBD to treat fibromyalgia. 

Thus, there is no standard dosage of CBD for the condition. 

A report on the safety and side effects of CBD indicated that humans may tolerate a dose of around 1,500mg of cannabidiol every day⁽¹¹⁾.

Still, it is best to speak to a doctor versed in cannabis use for an appropriate CBD dosage.

How Long Does CBD Pain Creams Take to Help Fibromyalgia?

The administration method, form, and CBD dosage may determine how long it takes CBD pain creams to start to affect the body. 

CBD topicals, like creams, take effect within 10 to 15 minutes after application⁽¹²⁾. 

How Long Will CBD Pain Creams Help With Fibromyalgia?

No specific studies have determined how long the effects of CBD in the system can last to help with fibromyalgia pain.

Generally, CBD topicals last in the body for two to four hours⁽¹³⁾. 

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD Pain Creams for Fibromyalgia

There are no studies on CBD pain creams’ side effects when used to treat fibromyalgia. 

However, generally, using CBD may induce side effects like⁽¹⁴⁾:

• Drowsiness
• Fatigue 
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

It is highly suggested to speak with a medical expert before using CBD products. 

Legality of CBD

The Farm Bill in 2018 states that CBD products are federally legal in the United States⁽¹⁵⁾ if the products have less than 0.3% THC.  

Still, it is crucial to verify state laws before purchasing and using CBD products to avoid possible legal repercussions.

FAQs

1. How can CBD pain creams help with fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia may cause aches and pains in an individual’s body, as well as sleep problems and fatigue⁽¹⁶⁾.

Studies have shown that CBD may possess analgesic properties⁽¹⁷⁾ and may improve the sleep quality of individuals experiencing chronic pain⁽¹⁸⁾. 

These benefits may potentially help symptoms of fibromyalgia.

2. What evidence or research exists to say that CBD pain creams help with fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is linked to continuous pain all over the body that may last for prolonged periods⁽¹⁹⁾.

An animal study on rat models with arthritis indicated that CBD transdermal gel may help relieve arthritis-related pain and inflammation without causing any detrimental side effects⁽²⁰⁾.

3. Is there any evidence that CBD pain creams can make fibromyalgia worse?

Generally, CBD is safe and well tolerated by humans⁽²¹⁾.

However, the compound may cause side effects like lightheadedness, sleepiness, nausea, and diarrhea⁽²²⁾. 

Speak with a doctor before taking CBD products for fibromyalgia. 

4. Will CBD pain creams interact with any current medication I may be taking for fibromyalgia?

CBD may interact with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like ibuprofen⁽²³⁾. These drugs are usually prescribed to treat symptoms of fibromyalgia⁽²⁴⁾.

This interaction may cause side effects like increased fatigue, drowsiness, accidental falls, and driving hazards⁽²⁵⁾.

It is essential to talk to a medical health professional before taking CBD cream or any CBD product alongside other medications. 

5.Are there other treatments I should consider alongside CBD pain creams to help with fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is treated by physicians who specialize in the medical condition and other types of arthritis called rheumatologists. 

Treatment options for fibromyalgia include⁽²⁶⁾:

• OTC and prescription pain relievers
• Muscle-strengthening or aerobic exercises
• Stress management techniques like yoga
• Good sleeping habits
  

6. Can I fail a drug test if I use CBD pain creams for fibromyalgia?

CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC will not cause a failure in a drug test⁽²⁷⁾.

However, even the trace amounts of THC in some CBD products may begin to build up in the body and reach detectable levels⁽²⁸⁾.

This build-up of THC levels may cause a positive drug test. 

7. What is the dosage for fibromyalgia?

There is no set CBD dosage for fibromyalgia. It may differ depending on the user’s diet, weight, and metabolism.  

Speaking to a doctor is advised for the correct CBD dosage for any medical condition. 

8. Is CBD pain cream legal?

CBD is federally legal in the United States, as stated in the 2018 Farm Bill⁽²⁹⁾. 

However, if CBD products have more than 0.3% THC, they are prohibited under the law⁽³⁰⁾.

9. Is CBD pain cream safe?

There are no studies about the safety of CBD pain creams. Generally, CBD is well tolerated by the body and has a good safety profile⁽³¹⁾.  

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1. Fibromyalgia
   https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm
2. page 167 of Healing With CBD
   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
3. Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules
   https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259/full
4. CBD oil: What is it and how does it work?
   https://www.eehealth.org/blog/2019/09/cbd-oil/
5. Fibromyalgia
   https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354780
6. Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/
7. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28349316/
8. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
9. page 210 of Healing With CBD
   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
10. Ibid.
11. Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22129319/
12. Healing With CBD, page. 193.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
13. Ibid.
14. What Are the Benefits of CBD – And Is It Safe to Use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
15. Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019
16. Fibromyalgia
    https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm
17. Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/
18. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28349316/
19. Fibromyalgia
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354780
20. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
21. WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence.
    https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/279948/9789241210225-eng.pdf
22. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
23. Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug–Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678684/
24. Fibromyalgia
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354785
25. CBD and other medications: Proceed with caution
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cbd-and-other-medications-proceed-with-caution-2021011121743
26. Fibromyalgia
    https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm
27. Can You Take CBD and Pass a Drug Test?
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/can-you-take-cbd-and-pass-a-drug-test/
28. Ibid.
29. Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019
30. CBD & THC: Myths and misconceptions
    https://www.projectcbd.org/cbd-101/cbd-misconceptions
31. WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence.
    https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/279948/9789241210225-eng.pdf

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